http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100927_01
Lanka embarked on rapid development - External Affairs Minister
An Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting took place in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Sessions. At this meeting External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris handed over the Chair of the ACD to the Iranian Foreign Minister M Mottaki. Sri Lanka had assumed this responsibility at the 8th ACD Ministerial Meeting in Colombo in October 2009. Iran will now host the 9th Ministerial Meeting next November.
Minister G L Peiris in a cordial bilateral discussion with Indonesian Foreign Minister R M Marty M Natalegawa. The two Ministers agreed that Indonesia and Sri Lanka enjoy a warm and long-standing bi-lateral relationship.
Prof Peiris in his capacity as outgoing Chair noted that Asia has emerged as a critical stakeholder in the global economy. Sri Lanka for her part having overcome the long period of separatist terror, is now embarked on a path of rapid development. President Mahinda Rajapaksa's vision is to leverage Sri Lanka's strategic location on the international trade routes and thereby transform the nation into a dynamic hub, of global activity. The Government and people of Sri Lanka are confident of realizing in full this vision.
The Minister said while Asia had been by and large able to withstand the recent global economic down turn, the conclusion to be drawn is the need to strengthen regional cooperation to face future challenges. Prof Peiris expressed his confidence in this regard that the ACD would with Iran in the Chair, aspire to even greater heights of achievement.
Later that morning, Minister Peiris had a cordial bilateral discussion with the Indonesian Foreign Minister R M Marty M Natalegawa. The two Ministers agreed that Indonesia and Sri Lanka enjoy a warm and long-standing bilateral relationship. Minister Peiris expressed the appreciation of Sri Lanka for the supportive position adopted by Indonesia, during the testing time of the final phase of the humanitarian operation against the LTTE terror.
Minister Natalegawa and Minister Peiris noted that there is great scope to intensity the economic and cultural collaboration between the two nations. Both countries in addition to their friendship, also share the common situation of reaping the post-conflict scenario dividends. It was agreed that the two Governments would shortly convene a Joint Commission have in place the supportive infrastructure for the expansion of the relationship.
The two Ministers spoke of the shared interest in the Indian Ocean security and the prevention of the maritime domain abuse for illegal activities. They accordingly decided to ensure continued collaboration on ocean related matters.
On the afternoon of September 22nd, Prof Peiris had another bilateral meeting, with Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger of Australia.
Minister Peiris briefed his Austrian counterpart on the potential for expanding bilateral ties, especially in the spheres of trade and investment, due to the promising new chapter that has now dawned in Sri Lanka.
It was agreed that they and their officials would work closely together, to progress appropriately those areas off mutual interest in the bilateral relationship.
Courtesy : Daily News
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